The Hindu : International : European Union set to welcome 10 new members

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Saturday, May 01, 2004

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International

European Union set to welcome 10 new members

By Batuk Gathani

BRUSSELS, APRIL 30. May 1 is a historic day for the European Union, which takes in 10 new member states — eight of which are former Communist-ruled countries. On this day, the European Union embarks on a new geopolitical and economic course as its new boundary nudges closer to Russia in the east and Turkey in the south.

In the aftermath of the Second World War, the European Community was launched to bring about the economic integration of the continent. Today, that Community has transformed itself into the world's largest consumer market of some 454 million people, with 75 millions joining E.U. on Saturday.

The expansion of the E.U. into former Communist-ruled regions of Europe began in 1989 with the fall of the Berlin Wall, unification of two German states and the gradual end of the Communist rule, highlighted by the eclipse of the Soviet Union.

The E.U., whose membership will go up from 15 to 25 on Saturday, will have a gross domestic product of $12.5 trillions, larger than that of the U.S. The per capita GDP of the expanded Union could soon be Euro 24,000 but this would vary widely between the German GDP of Euro 39,000 to that of Latvia's Euro 3,704, the poorest in the Union.The E.U. is a complex region with vast cultural and economic diversity, ranging from the Anglo-Teutonic traditions of Germany, Britain and the Scandinavian countries to the more carefree and relaxed Latin traditions of France, Italy and Greece. The 25 member nations will also highlight Europe's internal divisions rooted in centuries of conflict.

However, the post-War era has enabled the European countries to forge unity and set new landmarks in economic prosperity anchored on the values of multi-party democracy, rule of law and the free market economy.

The E.U. is also a babble of many languages. The work of the European Union will be translated into 19 languages from Saturday, up from the current 11.

At the same time, English is emerging as the common language with the consolidation of economic, military and security ties of the Union with the United States.

The concept of a united Europe is still Utopian and the free movement of labour across the region is in the evolutionary process. Centre-right politicians are wary of migrants from different racial and ethical background coming to the richer members of the Union. There are also grave economic and taxation issues to contend with. Germany and Sweden, for example, are angry over the lower tax rates in the new E.U. members.

Another crucial landmark in the evolution of the E.U. will be its political and economic relationship with Russia and Turkey.

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